900 years of historical past set for the chop: Smithfield butchers reveal ‘nightmare’ at plan to shut historic meat market that has been buying and selling because the Middle Ages
Butchers at Smithfield are distraught at the decision to close the oldest meat market in the world 900 years after it was founded.
Traders at Smithfield Market, which will close along with Billingsgate fish market, have said the axing will mean a ‘nightmare’ for business owners who may have to travel elsewhere to carry on their trade.
Butcher Joe Howgate, 25, told MailOnline: ‘It’s been here for 800 or 900 years, it’s not nice the corporation has said “it’s done’”.
‘It’s sad for London, there is a lot of history here, it’s a long time and for them to say ‘that’s it, we’re going to call it a day’ it’s sad and unusual.’
The site, designed by architect Sir Horace Jones has been used by traders for 900 years.
There had been plans to relocate the market and Billingsgate to a new £1 billion development in Dagenham, east London.
But the City of London Corporation put the relocation plans on hold earlier this month and confirmed at a private Court of Common Council meeting yesterday that it has formally ended its interest in relocating the two sites.
Butcher Joe Howgate, 25, pictured, has been in the trade for 10 years and said the decision is a sad one for the city
However, Ian Wilson, pictured, a butcher for 26 years, said the art of the trade is in being able to adapt and if owners are willing to plan then they will do well
Mr Howgate said: ‘It’s been here for 800 or 900 years, it’s not nice the corporation has said “it’s done’”
It said it will now provide financial compensation to traders at the markets, reported to be worth more than £300 million.
The corporation added existing plans to make a new London Museum – previously called the Museum of London – at West Smithfield are ‘well under way’ and will not be impacted.
Meanwhile, there are proposals to transform the land of the current Billingsgate site in Canary Wharf into mixed-use housing.
Traders will be able to continue their operations at the markets until at least 2028, the corporation added.
Mr Howgate told MailOnline said: ‘It’s going to be a nightmare for some of the butchers in London as some will have to travel across London to go elsewhere.
‘It’s difficult but we’ll carry on elsewhere, you just have to work your way through and things change so we’ll see.
‘We have always said that five years is a long time in this job and a lot can change. I think they’re saying that in 2028 or 2029 it’s got to go, a lot can happen in that time.’
The 25-year-old added that the changes will mean some traders will ‘call it a day’ while some may be able to continue to work.
The current market site was built in 1868, designed by architect Sir Horace Jones
Mr Howgate added: ‘It’s difficult but we’ll carry on elsewhere, you just have to work your way through and things change so we’ll see.
Jordan McCarthy, 24, pictured, said: ‘It might be disappointing for those people who have been here for a long time, 15 to 20 years plus and I think for them it’s home and they don’t want to give it up’
Jordan McCarthy, 24, who helps with packing the meat for customers said: ‘It might be disappointing for those people who have been here for a long time, 15 to 20 years plus and I think for them it’s home and they don’t want to give it up.
‘Even if they have enough money they come here for the sense of pride and team of carrying the family business.
‘A lot of them might come with that and they have a lot of pride in what they have done.’
However, Ian Wilson, a butcher for 26 years, said the art of the trade is in being able to adapt and if owners are willing to plan then they will do well.
He said: ‘The impact to your business is about how you adapt and plan, if you do it well like any business then you’ll be fine, if you stick to your old ways and try to carry on then you’re in for a tough life.
‘I think there is an archaic element to some of the workers up here. No one likes change but they’ve always done it this way and no one likes to have to change things.
‘I have had to change, with Covid, and even since I started I have always been aware of evolving. You either adapt or you die.’
A Bill will be tabled in Parliament today to absolve the City of London Corporation of responsibility for running the market.
Members of the corporation’s council blamed the decision to axe its relocation plans on a sharp rise in construction costs and wider inflation, which ‘made the move unaffordable’.
However, Ian Wilson, a butcher for 26 years, said the art of the trade is in being able to adapt and if owners are willing to plan then they will do well
The 25-year-old added that the changes will mean some traders will ‘call it a day’ while some may be able to continue to work
The UK’s largest inland fish market, Billingsgate, was moved to its current site in Canary Wharf in 1982
Circa 1870: Smithfield Market taken from a high vantage point, showing the many horses and carriages parked outside
Chris Hayward, policy chairman of the City of London Corporation, previously said: ‘This decision represents a positive new chapter for Smithfield and Billingsgate markets in that it empowers traders to build a sustainable future in premises that align with their long-term business goals.
‘By stepping back from direct market operations, we will help to create opportunities for these businesses to thrive independently.
‘We’ve worked closely with the traders and thank them for their input and understanding.
‘We’re committed to making sure they have the financial support and guidance they need to transition seamlessly and successfully to new locations.’
Dominic Twomey, leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: ‘While this is disappointing news, we understand the financial pressures that key investment projects are facing with soaring inflation in recent years.
‘We are committed to continue working with the City of London Corporation to unlock the huge potential of the Dagenham Dock site to bring new employment uses and high quality jobs for local people.’
